For a complete listing of commercial Standard Mail prices, see Notice 123-Price List.

Unless prepared in 5-digit/scheme containers, Not Flat-Machinable pieces are subject to a surcharge if:

Pieces weighing 6 ounces or more do not bear a GS1-128 barcode.

Pieces weighing less than 6 ounces do not bear a GS1-128 or POSTNET barcode.

Destination discounts apply to mail prepared as prescribed by USPS and addressed for delivery within service area of destination BMC/ASF, SCF (5-digit and SCF), or delivery unit (5-digit only) under 346.2.0.

Not Flat-Machinable pieces containing mailable items not required to be sent using First-Class Mail can be sent using Standard Mail. Standard Mail is typically used for advertisements, flyers, and catalogs. Additional content restrictions must be met for authorized nonprofit mailers (703.1.0).

Mailings of 200 or more addressed pieces (or 50 pounds of addressed pieces), sorted and marked as described below. All pieces must meet the physical standards for NFMs in (401). Pieces are eligible if not required to be mailed at First-Class Mail prices or not eligible for Periodicals prices. Nonprofit prices require specific authorization (703.1.0).

Each piece must include a complete delivery address with correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code.

A certified process must be used at least once a year to ensure accuracy of 5-digit ZIP Codes.

Each piece must bear a correct readable barcode under 708.4.0 or 708.5.0 as applicable, except if prepared in 5-digit/scheme containers or on 5-digit pallets. Pieces under 6 ounces may have a POSTNET (708.4.0) or GS1-128 barcode (708.5.0), pieces 6 ounces or more must have a GS1-128 barcode. For barcode placement, see 402.4.0.

Addresses on all pieces must be updated within 95 days before mailing through a USPS-approved address update method (e.g., ACS, NCOALink, or the appropriate ancillary service endorsement (except Forwarding Service Requested) under 507.1.5.3). For an overview of the Move Update standards, see Quick Service Guide 230a.

Supporting documentation: required unless correct price is affixed to each piece or unless each piece is of identical weight and separated by price when presented for acceptance; documentation generated by PAVE-certified software (or printed in standardized format).

Labels: For Line 1, use L601, Column B. For Line 2, use "STD NFM MACH BMC."

Price: Not Flat-Machinable Mixed BMC.

Mixed BMC

Sacks: Required, no minimum for all remaining mail.

Labels: For Line 1, "MXD" followed by L601, Column B information for BMC serving the 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of the entry post office. For Line 2, use "STD NFM MACH WKG."

Price: Not Flat-Machinable Mixed BMC.

Mailers may make 5-digit bundles of at least five pieces when placed on pallets or in pallet boxes under 705.8.0. No other NFM bundles permitted.

For DDU, DSCF, and DBMC price eligibility and preparation see DMM 440.

Not Flat-Machinable Decision Tree

Standard Mail mailpieces that are too thick or too rigid to run on automated flat sorting machines do not qualify for automation prices. These pieces are now categorized as "Not Flat-Machinable." This new category has higher prices than flats but lower prices than other parcels. This decision tree will help you determine if your piece qualifies as an automation flat or a Not Flat-Machinable.

1. Does your mailpiece:

a) Meet the minimum and maximum dimensions for an automation flat (see graphic on right), and